CSUN’s Gradfest Attracts Thousands to the Bookstore

  • Employees and students standing in the Matador Bookstore Complex during GradFest 2013.

    More than 4,500 graduating seniors passed through the Matador Bookstore Complex March 6 and 7 as part of GradFest 2013. Photo by Nestor Garcia.

  • Students standing in front of laptops.

    Students verify their eligibility to graduate during GradFest 2013. Photo by Nestor Garcia.

  • Students looking down at a table full of samples of graduation sashes.

    Students look at graduation sashes from a one of many different vendors present at GradFest 2013. Photo by Nestor Garcia.

  • Student trying on class rings.

    Manuel Sanchez, child development major, tries on different class rings at GradFest 2013. Sanchez finished school in the fall of 2012 and will be taking part in the 2013 Commencement Ceremony. Photo by Nestor Garcia.

  • Two male students pose with CSUN Alumni Association bags.

    Sociology majors Ben Torres and Edgar Ponce pose in the Matador Bookstore Complex after picking up bags from the CSUN Alumni Association. Photo by Nestor Garcia.

More than 4,500 graduating seniors filtered through the Matador Bookstore Complex over the course of two days as they took part in one of the first symbolic steps towards graduation from California State University, Northridge.

GradFest 2013 was held on March 6 and 7 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The event serves as a one-stop-opportunity for students to verify their graduation information, the commencement schedule, order a cap and gown, purchase graduation paraphernalia and sign-up for membership with the Alumni Association. CSUN’s commencement week begins Monday, May 20.

“Our office has seen this event grow a few hundred each year,” said Christopher Aston, assistant director of the Office of Student Development and International Programs, which has hosted the event for 13 years. He said for years the event was only one day, but because of the demand his office added a second day last year.

Maria Pendon, a communication studies major and graduating senior, said she heard about how helpful it was to attend Grad Fest from friends who previously graduated.

“I got all my commencement questions answered and satisfied all my grad necessities, which were extremely helpful,” said Pendon.

“I was just able to take graduation pictures and check out different grad packages that included announcements, cap and gown rental, alumni membership, and diploma frames,” said Joanne Cecilio, senior health administration major. “It made me realize that graduation is coming way sooner than I expected!”

For more information about the 2013 Commencement and Honors Convocation, visit the CSUN commencement website.